OGA Careers in Aging Event 2025

Professionals in the field of aging will introduce their work, reflect on their career paths, and share any insights they've gained along the way. This event presents an opportunity for students and emerging professionals to connect, ask questions, and explore a wide variety of career options.

Intended Audience: 

This event is focused on current and prospective students interested in gerontology, but all are welcome to attend.

*Please note: This event will not be recorded. 

 Facilitator and Presenter: 

Jennifer (Jenny) Sasser, PhD, FAGHE, (she/they) is an educational gerontologist, transdisciplinary scholar, and social activist. She serves as Faculty and Department Chair in the Gerontology Program at Portland Community College. Jenny has been working in the field of aging for more than half her life, beginning as a nursing assistant and advocate before specializing in educational gerontology, and adult development and learning. Jenny co-authors, with Janet Lee, Blood Stories: Menarche and the Politics of the Female Body in Contemporary US Society;  Aging: Concepts and Controversies with Harry R. Moody (now in its 10th edition); and is first author (also with Moody) of Gerontology: The Basics, recently published in Chinese and Spanish. She has also co-authored several book chapters and is an essayist. 

Panelists: 

Ann McQueen, PhD, has worked in various capacities for the Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) within the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and is the current President of OGA. She developed and taught college courses in gerontology, and worked in and as a consultant for long-term care facilities. She is especially interested in the experiences of people living with dementia and in helping to create a world that affords them the respect, dignity, safety, and companionship that all human beings deserve. Ann has presented at various conferences, both locally and nationally on topics related to aging, dementia and dementia care, and the role of humor in the lives of older people.

Gerald (Jerry) Cohen, JD, MPA, has joined his spouse Ruth as a partner in Evolving Elders, dedicated to addressing the opportunities and transitions of aging. He moved to Oregon in 1996 from Kansas City to establish one of AARP’s first state offices. He served as AARP’s State Director in Oregon for 23 years, working with local, state and national staff, volunteers, members and businesses and community organizations. AARP is the premier organization for people 50+ and their families. He is a certified trainer of the AARP Direct Action Organizing program through the Midwest Academy approach to advocacy. A native of Wisconsin, Jerry holds an undergraduate degree (BA) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a law degree (JD) from Washington University-St. Louis, and a Masters in Public Administration degree (MPA) from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he also concentrated in gerontology and health care administration.

Natalia Kasperovich, MS, received her Masters of Science (ChE) degree in Russia. Thirty years later her dedication to lifelong learning brought her to the Gerontology Program at Portland Community College where she earned an AAS (Gerontology) degree. Three years ago she created Bricks for Better Brains©, a cognitive program for older people that she is implementing in different communities in the Portland, OR metropolitan area. Natalia has extensive volunteer experience with older people. She believes in the importance of collaboration with all stakeholders and works on implementing a person-centered approach to improve the quality of life of older people.

Registration is free for all. Please use the registration link below to reserve your spot and receive the Zoom link.

Donations are greatly appreciated. OGA is a non-profit organization run by volunteers; events and donations are our main sources of income to fund our programs.

PLEASE REGISTER FOR FREE to receive the Zoom link. Should you encounter any difficulties registering online, please don't hesitate to reach out ([email protected])!